Hurricane and Tropical Storm in Louisiana, August 26 to 27, 2020

Name: Hurricane and Tropical Storm in Louisiana, August 26 to 27, 2020
Start: 2020-08-26T13:00
End: 2020-08-27T11:00
Location: Louisiana

August 26 to 27, 2020 · NWS LCH · 18 events in 18 counties and zones

A tropical wave emerged off of Africa during August 16 and then developed into a depression by the 20th. The system gradually became better organized as it passed across the Greater Antilles.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 12 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 23
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $11 billion
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 18

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS LCH wrote it up.

A tropical wave emerged off of Africa during August 16 and then developed into a depression by the 20th. The system gradually became better organized as it passed across the Greater Antilles. It entered the Gulf of Mexico and became a hurricane on the 25th. Outer bands spread inland during the afternoon of the 26th and it made landfall at Cameron at 1AM local time on the 27th as the first category 4 hurricane to landfall in Southwest Louisiana and the strongest Louisiana hurricane since 1856. The highest storm surge to ever be recorded also occurred from Laura which was approximately 21 feet at Rutherford Beach and Creole. Damages totaled roughly $10.7 Billion and 27 fatalities occurred.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Lake Charles, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 26, 12:22 PM CST, 38 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 26, 12:22 PM CST, 38 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
122 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

.AVIATION...
Conditions will continue to deteriorate as Laura moves north into
the area tonight with widespread MVFR/areas of IFR ceilings and
visibilities developing. Gusty showers and thunderstorms will
continue this afternoon then winds will gradually increase tonight
reaching tropical storm to hurricane force overnight.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
AEX  76  85  75  90 /  60  90  50  80
LCH  78  86  79  89 /  90  90  60  80
LFT  79  87  79  90 /  70  90  60  80
BPT  77  88  80  90 /  90  80  60  70

&&

.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...Hurricane Warning for LAZ027-028-030>032-041>043-052-073-074.

     Flash Flood Watch through Thursday evening for LAZ027>033-
     041>045-052>055-073-074.

     Tropical Storm Warning for LAZ029-033-044-045-053>055.

     Hurricane Watch for LAZ053>055.

TX...Hurricane Warning for TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262.

     Flash Flood Watch through Thursday evening for TXZ180-201-215-
     216-259>262.

GM...Hurricane Warning for GMZ430-432-450-452-470-472.

     Tropical Storm Warning for GMZ435-455-475.

     Hurricane Watch for GMZ435-455-475.

&&

AVIATION...Close/TBW

Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 26, 4:22 AM CST, 8 hours 38 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ041>043-052-073-074-TXZ215-216-271030-
Calcasieu-Jefferson Davis-Acadia-Vermilion-West Cameron-East Cameron-
Jefferson-Orange-
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Louisiana and
southeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Surge Warning.
   Hurricane Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Surge Warning.
   Hurricane Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

LAZ053>055-271030-
Iberia-St. Mary-Lower St. Martin-
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...HURRICANE WATCH IN EFFECT...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Louisiana.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Surge Warning.
   Hurricane Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Surge Warning.
   Hurricane Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

GMZ430-432-450-452-470-472-271030-
Sabine Lake-Calcasieu Lake-
Coastal waters from Cameron LA to High Island TX out 20 NM-
Coastal waters from Intracoastal City to Cameron LA out 20 NM-
Waters from Cameron LA to High Island TX from 20 to 60 NM-
Waters from Intracoastal City to Cameron LA from 20 to 60 NM-
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Gulf of Mexico and the
coastal lakes and bays of the Gulf of Mexico.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

LAZ027-028-030>032-TXZ180-201-259>262-271030-
Vernon-Rapides-Beauregard-Allen-Evangeline-Tyler-Hardin-
Northern Jasper-Northern Newton-Southern Jasper-Southern Newton-
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Louisiana, southwest
Louisiana, west central Louisiana and southeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

LAZ029-033-044-045-271030-
Avoyelles-St. Landry-Lafayette-Upper St. Martin-
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Louisiana and south
central Louisiana.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

GMZ435-455-475-271030-
Vermilion Bay-
Coastal waters from Lower Atchafalaya River to Intracoastal City LA
out 20 NM-
Waters from Lower Atchafalaya River to Intracoastal City LA from
20 to 60 NM-
522 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...HURRICANE WATCH IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Gulf of Mexico and the
coastal lakes and bays of the Gulf of Mexico.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Hurricane Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 9:20 AM CST, 3 hours 40 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1020 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ042>045-052>055-073-074-TXZ215-261630-
West Cameron LA-Lower St. Martin LA-Acadia LA-Iberia LA-
Jefferson Davis LA-Lafayette LA-Vermilion LA-Upper St. Martin LA-
St. Mary LA-East Cameron LA-Jefferson TX-
1020 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR LAFAYETTE...CAMERON...IBERIA...
ST. MARY...SOUTHEASTERN JEFFERSON DAVIS...SOUTHERN ACADIA...
SOUTHEASTERN CALCASIEU...VERMILION...ST. MARTIN...SOUTHERN ST. LANDRY
PARISHES IN CENTRAL LOUISIANA AND SOUTHEASTERN JEFFERSON COUNTIES
UNTIL 1130 AM CDT...

At 1019 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong outer band from
Hurricane Laura along a line extending from 46 miles southeast of
Galveston Pleasure Pier to 36 miles south of Grand Chenier to 14
miles southwest of Cypremort Point to 17 miles south of Amelia.
Movement was north at 45 mph.

Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Lafayette, Port Arthur, New Iberia, Crowley, Morgan City, Abbeville,
Catahoula, Scott, Breaux Bridge and Rayne.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Lake Charles.

&&

LAT...LON 2935 9138 2955 9141 2956 9142 2941 9149
      2942 9149 2964 9157 2951 9190 2941 9185
      2958 9205 2958 9260 2980 9334 2956 9435
      2998 9334 2986 9344 2981 9335 3001 9327
      3037 9206 3029 9161 3004 9123 2963 9108
TIME...MOT...LOC 1519Z 172DEG 38KT 2871 9441 2925 9312 2956 9198 2942
9115

CB

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 10:29 AM CST, 2 hours 31 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1129 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ041>044-052>054-073-074-261730-
West Cameron LA-Calcasieu LA-Acadia LA-Iberia LA-Jefferson Davis LA-
Lafayette LA-Vermilion LA-St. Mary LA-East Cameron LA-
1129 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN LAFAYETTE...
CAMERON...WESTERN IBERIA...CENTRAL ST. MARY...SOUTHEASTERN JEFFERSON
DAVIS...SOUTHWESTERN ACADIA...SOUTHEASTERN CALCASIEU AND VERMILION
PARISHES UNTIL 1230 PM CDT...

At 1127 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong squall line of
tropical showers along a line extending from Grand Chenier to 7
miles south of Wright to NEAR Cypremort Point. Movement was
northwest at 35 mph.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Lafayette, Abbeville, Jennings, Cameron, Kaplan, Welsh, Lake Arthur,
Gueydan, Mermentau and Freshwater City.

LAT...LON 2958 9205 2953 9229 2958 9263 2984 9327
      3004 9328 3005 9329 2987 9335 3001 9365
      3023 9290 3015 9206 2948 9128 2946 9130
      2956 9142 2952 9155 2964 9157 2963 9165
      2949 9177 2951 9190 2943 9183
TIME...MOT...LOC 1627Z 122DEG 29KT 2976 9295 2989 9245 2976 9179

Mejia

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 10:44 AM CST, 2 hours 16 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1144 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ073-TXZ201-215-216-261-261815-
West Cameron LA-Orange TX-Jefferson TX-Hardin TX-Southern Jasper TX-
1144 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...A LINE OF TROPICAL SHOWERS WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN CAMERON
PARISH... JEFFERSON...SOUTHEASTERN HARDIN...ORANGE AND SOUTH CENTRAL
JASPER COUNTIES UNTIL 115 PM CDT...

At 1141 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated showers were located along a
line extending from 8 miles southeast of Johnsons Bayou to 28 miles
south of Gilchrist. Movement was northwest at 30 mph.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible with these showers. Tropical
funnels and waterspouts are possible.

Locations impacted include...
Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Nederland, Groves, Port Neches,
Lumberton, Vidor, Bridge City and West Orange.

LAT...LON 2989 9436 2989 9444 3008 9444 3037 9407
      2977 9344 2974 9375 2969 9384 2980 9391
      2985 9379 2997 9376 3000 9379 2998 9383
      2999 9386 2998 9384 2997 9384 2981 9395
      2981 9393 2968 9385 2967 9405 2956 9435
TIME...MOT...LOC 1641Z 135DEG 26KT 2969 9355 2913 9432

Mejia

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 11:14 AM CST, 1 hour 46 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1214 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ030-041-042-073-074-TXZ201-216-260>262-261845-
West Cameron LA-Calcasieu LA-Jefferson Davis LA-Beauregard LA-
East Cameron LA-Orange TX-Hardin TX-Southern Newton TX-
Northern Newton TX-Southern Jasper TX-
1214 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...A LINE OF TROPICAL SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHERN
CAMERON...SOUTHERN JEFFERSON DAVIS...SOUTHWESTERN
BEAUREGARD...SOUTHWESTERN ACADIA... CALCASIEU...NORTHWESTERN
VERMILION AND SOUTHWESTERN ALLEN PARISHES... SOUTHWESTERN
NEWTON...EAST CENTRAL HARDIN...ORANGE AND SOUTHEASTERN JASPER
COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM CDT...

At 1209 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms along a line
extending from NEAR Thornwell to NEAR Hackberry. Movement was
northwest at 35 mph.

Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with these storms.
Tropical funnels and brief tornadoes are also possible.

Locations impacted include...
Lake Charles, Sulphur, Orange, Lumberton, Vidor, Bridge City,
Cameron, Silsbee, Westlake and West Orange.

LAT...LON 3052 9395 3052 9389 3055 9388 3072 9352
      3047 9313 3042 9313 3042 9307 3013 9262
      3007 9263 3004 9272 3003 9262 3003 9263
      2976 9314 2978 9323 2976 9334 2977 9334
      2979 9332 2980 9333 2976 9335 3035 9432
TIME...MOT...LOC 1709Z 125DEG 31KT 3015 9283 2991 9334

Mejia

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 11:46 AM CST, 1 hour 14 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1246 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ041>045-052>055-074-261830-
Calcasieu LA-Lower St. Martin LA-Acadia LA-Iberia LA-
Jefferson Davis LA-Lafayette LA-Vermilion LA-Upper St. Martin LA-
St. Mary LA-East Cameron LA-
1246 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN LAFAYETTE...CAMERON...
IBERIA...ST. MARY...JEFFERSON DAVIS...SOUTHERN ACADIA...SOUTHEASTERN
CALCASIEU...VERMILION...SOUTHERN ST. MARTIN AND SOUTHERN ALLEN
PARISHES UNTIL 130 PM CDT...

At 1244 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking outer bands of Hurricane
Laura, moving westward at 50 mph.

Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with these bands of
storms.

Locations impacted include...
Lafayette, New Iberia, Crowley, Morgan City, Abbeville, Jennings,
Scott, Rayne, Franklin and Cameron.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these bands of storms,
and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle
through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 2935 9136 2948 9144 2939 9149 2940 9149
      2955 9141 2956 9142 2941 9149 2942 9149
      2964 9157 2951 9190 2941 9185 2958 9205
      2958 9262 2982 9335 3044 9291 3044 9278
      2989 9120 2963 9108 2955 9127
TIME...MOT...LOC 1744Z 111DEG 45KT 2988 9223

Hallman

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 12:30 PM CST, 30 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
Issued by National Weather Service Brownsville TX
130 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

LAZ030-041-TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-261930-
Calcasieu LA-Beauregard LA-Orange TX-Jefferson TX-Hardin TX-
Southern Newton TX-Northern Newton TX-Northern Jasper TX-
Southern Jasper TX-Tyler TX-
130 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...A LINE OF TROPICAL SHOWERS AND STORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHWESTERN
BEAUREGARD AND NORTHWESTERN CALCASIEU PARISHES...NORTHERN
JEFFERSON...SOUTHERN TYLER...SOUTHWESTERN NEWTON...HARDIN...ORANGE
AND SOUTHEASTERN JASPER COUNTIES UNTIL 230 PM CDT...

At 128 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated showers and storms along a
line extending from NEAR Old Salem to NEAR Weiss Bluff to 6 miles
east of China. Movement was west or northwest at 45 mph.

Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Nederland, Port Neches, Lumberton,
Vidor, Bridge City, Silsbee and Woodville.

LAT...LON 3049 9454 3070 9459 3080 9445 3048 9348
      3020 9373 2989 9402 2998 9444 3011 9445
      3011 9460 3049 9473
TIME...MOT...LOC 1828Z 107DEG 38KT 3048 9374 3028 9402 3002 9423

Mejia

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

11 hurricane (typhoon), 7 tropical storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Vermilion

When: August 26, 1:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Vermilion forecast zone
Category: 1
Property damage: $200 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

There was a voluntary evacuation for the parish. Many trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged by trees falling on them or the winds. Property south of the intracoastal waterway was flooded by the storm surge. Over 60 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 50 to 90 mph. Storm surge reached into the 8 to 12 feet range.

Tropical Storm, Lower St. Martin

When: August 26, 1:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Lower St. Martin forecast zone
Property damage: $2.0 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 30.129, -91.608 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Scattered trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or wind. There was some minor flooding from the vermilion river. Over 40 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 40 to 50 mph.

Tropical Storm, Iberia

When: August 26, 1:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Iberia forecast zone
Property damage: $15 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media

There was a voluntary evacuation for the parish. Many trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from the fallen trees or wind. Property south of the intracoastal waterway was flooded by the storm surge. Over 50 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 50 to 75 mph.

Tropical Storm, St. Mary

When: August 26, 1:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: St. Mary forecast zone
Property damage: $12 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

There was a voluntary evacuation for the parish. Many trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from trees falling on them or wind. Property south of the intracoastal waterway was flooded by the storm surge. Over 50 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 40 to 70 mph. Storm surge reached 9.45 NAVD88 at Cypremort Point.

Hurricane (Typhoon), East Cameron

When: August 26, 2:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: East Cameron forecast zone
Category: 4
Property damage: $300 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 29.847, -93.199 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There was a mandatory evacuation for the parish. Many trees and most power lines were blown down across the parish. All of the parish was without power and water immediately after the storm. Homes and businesses were damaged from trees falling on them or from the winds. Property south of the Intracoastal Waterway was flooded or destroyed by storm surge. The storm surge at Rutherford Beach and Creole was approximately 21 feet NAVD88 and dropped rapidly westward. The surge at Cameron was 9.19 MHHW. Wind gusts generally ranged from 90 to 150 mph across eastern Cameron Parish.

Tropical Storm, Lafayette

When: August 26, 2:00 PM CST to August 27, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Lafayette forecast zone
Property damage: $80 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 30.207, -92.064 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There was a voluntary evacuation for the parish. Scattered trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or wind. There was some minor flooding from the vermilion river. Over 40 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 50 to 75 mph.

Tropical Storm, Upper St. Martin

When: August 26, 2:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Upper St. Martin forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.129, -91.608 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hurricane (Typhoon), West Cameron

When: August 26, 3:00 PM CST to August 27, 8:00 AM CST
Where: West Cameron forecast zone
Category: 4
Property damage: $200 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 29.847, -93.199 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There was a mandatory evacuation for the parish. Many trees and most power lines were blown down across the parish. All of the parish was without power and water immediately after the storm. Homes and businesses were damaged from trees falling on them or from the winds. A wind gust of 152 MPH was recorded at a PWS in Holly Beach, however wind gusts generally ranged from 90 to 150 mph across western Cameron Parish. Storm surge reached a height of 9.19 MHHW at Cameron, but was 3.97 MHHW at Texas Point near Sabine Pass. This caused damage to Holly Beach, however surge damage was minimal to the west and produced mostly beach erosion.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Jefferson Davis

When: August 26, 3:00 PM CST to August 27, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson Davis forecast zone
Category: 3
Property damage: $800 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

There was a voluntary evacuation from the parish. Numerous trees and power lines and poles were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or from wind. All of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 80 to 120 mph.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Acadia

When: August 26, 3:00 PM CST to August 27, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Acadia forecast zone
Category: 1
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $100 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media

There was a voluntary evacuation for the parish. Numerous trees power lines and poles were blown down across the parish, with the western side seeing more and the eastern side seeing less. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or from wind. Low-lying areas around church point flooded from the heavy rains. Over 60 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. A 68-year-old male died from a fallen tree. Wind gusts ranged from 60 to 80 mph.

Tropical Storm, St. Landry

When: August 26, 3:00 PM CST to August 27, 9:00 AM CST
Where: St. Landry forecast zone
Property damage: $40 million
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.599, -92.006 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or wind. Over 40 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 50 to 70 mph.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu

When: August 26, 4:00 PM CST to August 27, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Calcasieu forecast zone
Category: 4
Deaths: 1 direct, 12 indirect
Property damage: $6.0 billion
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

There was a mandatory evacuation for the parish. Numerous trees, power lines, transmission lines, and poles were blown down across the parish. All of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Homes and businesses were damage from trees falling on them, or from the winds. Low-lying areas near downtown Lake Charles flooded from high water due to rainfall. A male of unknown age drowned in a sinking shrimp boat. Twelve persons died in recovery (indirect deaths) from carbon monoxide poisoning, including five in one family in the city of Lake Charles. Other indirect deaths occurred from smoke inhalation, from a head injury after falling off a roof, falling off scaffolding in a refinery, and accident of a tree service vehicle. Wind gusts ranged from 110 to 145 mph across the parish. Storm surge reached 4.65 MHHW at Lake Charles.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Allen

When: August 26, 4:00 PM CST to August 27, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Allen forecast zone
Category: 3
Deaths: 1 direct, 2 indirect
Property damage: $400 million
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.653, -92.828 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There was a voluntary evacuation from the parish. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or wind. All of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. A 64-year-old female died from a fallen tree. Two persons died from carbon monoxide poisoning (indirect deaths). Wind gusts ranged from 80 to 120 mph.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Evangeline

When: August 26, 4:00 PM CST to August 27, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Evangeline forecast zone
Category: 1
Property damage: $100 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 30.729, -92.406 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There was a voluntary evacuation from the parish. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged by fallen trees or wind. Over 60 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Wind gusts ranged from 60 to 90 mph.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Beauregard

When: August 26, 6:00 PM CST to August 27, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Beauregard forecast zone
Category: 4
Deaths: 0 direct, 2 indirect
Property damage: $1.0 billion
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 30.649, -93.343 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There was a voluntary evacuation for the parish. Numerous trees power lines and power poles were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or from wind. All of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. Two indirect deaths due to heat related stress. Wind gusts ranged from 110 to 130 mph.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Vernon

When: August 26, 7:00 PM CST to August 27, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Vernon forecast zone
Category: 3
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $900 million
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 31.108, -93.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees power lines and poles were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees, or from the winds. All of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. A 14-year-old female died from a fallen tree. Wind gusts ranged from 100 to 120 mph.

Hurricane (Typhoon), Rapides

When: August 26, 7:00 PM CST to August 27, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Rapides forecast zone
Category: 2
Deaths: 0 direct, 3 indirect
Property damage: $500 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 31.199, -92.533 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees power lines and poles were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees, or from the winds. All of the parish was without power immediately after the storm. One indirect death was due to clean up after the storm and two indirect deaths were due to heat related stress. Wind gusts ranged from 65 to 105 mph.

Tropical Storm, Avoyelles

When: August 26, 7:00 PM CST to August 27, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Avoyelles forecast zone
Property damage: $20 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.076, -92.001 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the parish. Homes and businesses were damaged from fallen trees or winds. Over 60 percent of the parish was without power immediately after the storm.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Hurricane (Typhoon), Acadia	2020-08-27	68	Male	Permanent Home	Direct
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-03	81	Female	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-03	72	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-08-28	31	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-03	84	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-07	49	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-04	59	Male	Under Tree	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-10-03	29	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-08-27		Male	Boating	Direct
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-17	22	Male	Heavy Equipment/Construction	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-08-29	57	Male	Outside/Open Areas	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-08-27	24	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-03	54	Female	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Calcasieu	2020-09-03	61	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Allen	2020-08-27	64	Female	Permanent Home	Direct
Hurricane (Typhoon), Allen	2020-08-28	84	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Allen	2020-08-28	80	Female	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Beauregard	2020-08-30	36	Male	Outside/Open Areas	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Beauregard	2020-08-31	80	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Vernon	2020-08-27	14	Female	Permanent Home	Direct
Hurricane (Typhoon), Rapides	2020-09-08	49	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Rapides	2020-08-27	67	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect
Hurricane (Typhoon), Rapides	2020-08-29	50	Male	Permanent Home	Indirect

What these are

Hurricane (Typhoon): A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or more, filed per forecast zone for its wind, and with separate events for its flooding, surge and tornadoes.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Louisiana in 2020 Every state in 2020 This day in weather history Warnings in Louisiana, August 2020 The 2020 hurricane season

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 918076, 918088, 918089, 918090, 917454, 918086, 918087, 917509, 918077, 918081, 918085, 917518, 918080, 918082, 918078, 918079, 918083, 918084.